French premier outlines strategy to combat coronavirus

Saturday’s fatalities from COVID-19 in country stands at 2,314, up 319 from Friday

Cindi Cook |28.03.2020

PARIS

France on Saturday outlined a strategy to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

"The fight has just begun. The first 15 days of April will be difficult, harder than those we have just gone through," Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said at a news conference alongside Health Minister Olivier Veran.

The duo were accompanied by Dr. Arnaud Fontanet, an epidemiologist of emerging diseases and Director General of Health Jerome Salomon.

Saturday's fatalities from the coronavirus stands at 2,314 in France, up 319 from Friday. The number of reported infections is 37,575, with 4,273 people in intensive care.

The ministers stressed the importance of lockdown and social distancing to curb the spread of the virus; types of tests and how they will be conducted in large numbers; and the ongoing need for masks and respirators.

The number of tests has been increased this week from 5,000 to 12,000 tests per day.

"France has already ordered 5 million rapid test kits, which will allow us to increase our screening capacity by 30,000 tests per day in April, 60,000 in May, 100,000 in June," the prime minister said.

In addition, 13 clinical research projects are underway in the country, with a dozen set to obtain quick clinical approval.